Change desktop picture every X seconds?

vmardian · 11-13-2007, 09:04 PM

5 seconds is too fast and 1 minute is too slow. Is there any way I could set a custom time through the terminal or by some other means?

Las_Vegas · 11-13-2007, 09:36 PM

There are various web cam utilities that should be able to do what you're asking.

tw · 11-14-2007, 12:33 AM

also, some of the desktop picture stuff is now easily applescriptable through the system events dictionary. I think you can set the picture change time there.

macosnoob · 11-14-2007, 08:17 AM

If I'm understanding your question correctly ...

First, make a backup of

~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.desktop.plist

(So that you can go back easily if you don't like the results.)

Then, use System Prefs to activate the Desktop & Screen Saver "change picture" setting.

And finally, use Property List Editor or Pref Setter to modify:

~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.desktop.plist

Change the plist's "ChangeTime" number from the value (in seconds) listed there to whatever number you want. (I have two "ChangeTime" references in my plist. I changed both, though it's possible that modifying just one would also do the trick.)

Restart.

Note that the System Prefs > Desktop & Screen Saver "change picture" every-X-minutes dropdown menu won't change. System Prefs will still say (for example) "5 seconds" even if you've altered the plist to rotate pictures every 30 seconds.

11-13-2007, 09:04 PM	#1
vmardian Prospect Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 14	Change desktop picture every X seconds? 5 seconds is too fast and 1 minute is too slow. Is there any way I could set a custom time through the terminal or by some other means?

11-13-2007, 09:36 PM	#2
Las_Vegas League Commissioner Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 5,875	There are various web cam utilities that should be able to do what you're asking. __________________ Las_Vegas -- Ts'i mahnu uterna ot twan ot geifur hingts uto. -- Sometimes I wonder… Why is that Frisbee getting Larger? …and then it hits me. -- Disposable thumbs make me specialer than most animals…

11-14-2007, 12:33 AM	#3
tw Hall of Famer Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 4,262	also, some of the desktop picture stuff is now easily applescriptable through the system events dictionary. I think you can set the picture change time there. __________________ Philosophy is a battle against the bewitchment of our intelligence by means of language. -LW-

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11-14-2007, 08:17 AM	#4
macosnoob MVP Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,751	If I'm understanding your question correctly ... First, make a backup of ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.desktop.plist (So that you can go back easily if you don't like the results.) Then, use System Prefs to activate the Desktop & Screen Saver "change picture" setting. And finally, use Property List Editor or Pref Setter to modify: ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.desktop.plist Change the plist's "ChangeTime" number from the value (in seconds) listed there to whatever number you want. (I have two "ChangeTime" references in my plist. I changed both, though it's possible that modifying just one would also do the trick.) Restart. Note that the System Prefs > Desktop & Screen Saver "change picture" every-X-minutes dropdown menu won't change. System Prefs will still say (for example) "5 seconds" even if you've altered the plist to rotate pictures every 30 seconds.